Carer with ‘heart of gold’ found dead at London landmark may have been murdered in homophobic attack

Jairo Medina's body was found on Friday morning less than a mile from his two-bed flat in west London

Pictured

By ELLIE FLYNN

15th August 2016, 9:12 am

Updated: 15th August 2016, 5:00 pm

MURDER cops are investigating whether a charity care worker found dead in London's Hyde Park was murdered in a gay hate attack.

Jairo Medina's body was discovered under a tree near Speakers' Corner at 5.50am on Friday - less than a mile from his two-bed flat in west London.

PA:Press Association

Jairo Medina's body was found in Hyde Park early Friday morning

The Met Police today said no line of inquiry had been ruled out after one report said a gay hate crime may be a possible motive.

Jairo's friends and neighbours paid tribute to an "inspirational care worker with a heart of gold".

His heartbroken housemate, who he had lived with for 11 years, told the Evening Standard: "At the moment we don't know anything at all about how he met his death.

"All we know is that his body was found in Hyde Park and he had injuries. Basically someone had beaten him up and he was left with these severe injuries."

He added: "I have been with the detectives ever since trying to figure out what happened."

London News Pictures

Police believe Jairo was attacked and left for dead, but are appealing for information on the crime

Around 30 officers attended the scene with a huge cordon place after Jairo's body was found on Friday.

One of Jairo's neighbours told the Standard: "When I found out a body had been discovered not far from here in Hyde Park I thought it was a street drinker or something, I had no idea it was Jairo from upstairs.

"He told me he got the flat as a key worker. He was a nice guy with a heart of gold; you have to be in that job.

"I knew him quite well, he was always cooking, there were always lovely exotic smells coming from his window and he liked to have people around."

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Jairo had worked as a carer for Joe Behrens since the 95-year-old received an Alzheimer's diagnosis four years ago.

He won a Margaret Butterworth industry award in 2015 for "exemplary care, creativity, hard work and companionship" for his relationship with Joe.

The 95-year-old's daughter-in-law Helen said: "Jairo is incredible at researching relevant activities. This input is really important, as it prompts Joe's long term memory enabling him to retain his identity.

"Jairo always finds music, documentaries and movies that Joe enjoys. Just last week they were listening to Bavarian music Joe knew and loved from his past.

London News Pictures

Jairo has been described as a carer 'with a heart of gold'

"It would just not be possible for Joe to remain at home, where he is most content, without the live-in care that Jairo provides."

A Met spokesman said: "We are keeping an open mind about the motive of this crime."

Detectives from the homicide and major crime command have appealed for anyone with information about Jairo's whereabouts in the house leading up to his death.